Project SEARCH

Building successful lives and strengthening our community

What is Project SEARCH?

Project SEARCH is a vocational training and employment program hosted by Health First that matches the abilities of people with disabilities to real jobs then provides support and training needed for both the employee and employer, at no cost.

The goal is to help companies successfully recruit, hire, and manage employees with disabilities. The approach helps to meet both the company’s human resource needs and increase employment options for people with disabilities.

Disabilities are experienced by almost everyone at some time in their lifetime and are part of life. Project SEARCH teaches those with disabilities business skills needed so they can, live independently, enjoy self-determination, and have an opportunity to contribute to society.

Why hire a Project SEARCH student?

Workers with disabilities are often more proficient, productive, and efficient than their peers without disabilities. Plus, employees with disabilities have 90-percent (above-average) safety and attendance records and are more loyal to the employers that hire them.

The Project SEARCH Program is about connecting well trained “recruits” with disabilities to employers who value the diversity these individuals present.

At Project SEARCH, we match your company’s needs with our candidates strengths. Upon employment, the candidate receives one-on-one supervision and support from a Project SEARCH job coach as they learn the job, expectations of employment, acquire skills, and acclimate to the job-site culture.

Our graduates have been groomed to understand the importance of business culture, company dress codes and the appropriate use of language in the business. Project SEARCH staff also:

coordinate job development and agency referrals with your HR needs;

match qualified employees with open positions — free of charge;

perform these functions prior to job placement;

coordinate job coaching during initial phases of on-the-job training; and

provide continued support/assistance to your organization.

For more information on hiring a Project SEARCH student, contact Project SEARCH at: